CapeNature invests millions in tourism facilities

Caption: The Rocherpan Nature Reserve  has been allocated R9.8 million for upgrading that will include four new eco-friendly accommodation units, a new bird hide, upgraded picnicking facilities and an extensive network of boardwalks suitable for wheelchair access. Photo Credit: CapeNature

CapeNature has invested R9.8 million into upgrading the facilities at Rocherpan Nature Reserve near Velddrif on the West Coast.

The Western Cape Minister of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, says the upgrades at Rocherpan are a welcome addition to CapeNature’s portfolio of top-class destinations in the Western Cape.

“The latest upgrade is a great example of the good work CapeNature is doing to develop tourism in the Western Cape. Other examples include the revamping of Bird Island in Lambertsbaai and the proclamation of the Knersvlakte as a reserve last year.”

Bredell says the Western Cape has become a popular destination for tourists and investing in tourism is a priority for the province.

“These types of real interventions are often done in rural areas where unemployment and poverty is a serious problem and the interventions are already paying dividends. This year visitor numbers to CapeNature nature reserves in the Western Cape increased by 39% compared to the previous financial year. Over the past financial year CapeNature’s tourism revenue has also surpassed its projected income by 25%. This is an amazing achievement if one bears in mind that this is well above the average growth across South Africa’s other provinces of only 6.4%. These figures are sound endorsements of what we’re trying to do.”

Bredell says the work Cape Nature is doing is not only uplifting communities it is also raising revenue in order to become more self sustainable.

“Last year Cape Nature managed to collect R23 million off tourism income in the Western Cape. That money is ploughed back into the business grow even more. These investments naturally lead to job creation and uplifting our communities.”

Says CapeNature CEO, Dr Razeena Omar: “One of our strategic goals is to ensure better access to our province’s unique and cultural heritage for all. With this in mind we have invested heavily in upgrading Rocherpan’s tourism offering while also catering for those living with disabilities.

“Together with these upgrades and new units, Rocherpan can now compete as one of the top eco-tourism destinations on the West Coast.”

Rocherpan is known as a haven to a multitude of bird species, the reserve now boasts four new accommodation units which sleep up to five people each, a new bird hide, upgraded picnicking facilities and an extensive network of boardwalks suitable for wheelchair access.

Named after birds which are seen regularly at the reserve, the new four-sleeper cottages - coot, moorhen, egret and shoveler - overlook the pan and make a brilliant holiday escape for bird lovers. Up to 183 species of birds have been recorded at the reserve, which is home to arguably one of the largest populations of Cape shoveler.

In addition to bird watching, visitors can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, whale watching and swimming in the freedom of a private beach.

About Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Rocherpan is a coastal nature reserve teeming with birds and colourful wildflowers. The reserve, which lies 25km north of Velddrif on the Cape West Coast, consists largely of a seasonal pan that is usually dry between March and June. Rocherpan was established as a nature reserve (930 hectares in size) in 1966, and the adjacent section of the Atlantic Ocean was declared a marine reserve in 1988 (150 hectares in size).

Bookings can be done through : reservation.alert@capenature.co.za